Following a review of the tax extenders legislation signed into law last week, the Internal Revenue Service announced today that the nation’s tax season will begin as scheduled on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016. That’s one day earlier than last year’s start date (January 20, 2015).

You can file your taxes before January 19th with most tax software providers and they will be stockpiled until IRS is open. When e-file is ready, returns will be submitted to IRS in the order they were received.

As mentioned earlier, Tax Day is pushed out a bit this year. Tax Day is on Monday, April 18, 2016, rather than April 15, 2016.

“We look forward to opening the 2016 tax season on time,” IRS Commissioner John Koskinen said. “Our employees have been working hard throughout this year to make this happen. We also appreciate the help from the nation’s tax professionals and the software community, who are critical to helping taxpayers during the filing season.”

Koskinen noted the new legislation makes permanent many provisions and extends many others for several years. "This provides certainty for planning purposes, which will help taxpayers and the tax community as well as the IRS," he said.

Choosing e-file and direct deposit for refunds remains the fastest and safest way to file an accurate income tax return and receive a refund. The IRS anticipates issuing more than 9 out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days.